Solar powered sample analyzing system using a field deployed analytical instrumentation and vacuum jacketed small diameter tubing

ABSTRACT

Provided herein is a solar powered system for a gas sampling and analysis for placement and operation remote from conventional infra-structure that utilizes a minimum of power to obtain a sample extracted from a source such as a pipeline or well-head, conditions the extracted sample, transmits the conditioned sample through vacuum jacketed tubing to an analyzer while maintaining the sample at a temperature and pressure preventing phase transition, condensation or component partitioning.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 14/516,603filed on Oct. 16, 2014, now U.S. Patent and claims priority to U.S.Patent Application Ser. No. 61/892,029 filed Oct. 17, 2013.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a self-contained, integrated analyzing systemwith minimized power usage requirements including an operating powersource for sample takeoff and analysis particularly suited for a wet gasfrom a pipeline at custody transfer points, intermediate gather points,remote field gather points, and the like. The invention combines anintegrated low-power source for processing operations, low-power heatersand pressure regulators, small-diameter vacuum jacketed tubing (VJT) forvaporized sample gas transport between a conditioning unit and anassociated analyzer to prevent flashing of heavy sample constituents,and low-power processing control and remote communication components.The invention is readily adaptable to conform to specific safety andregulatory requirements, for example, by enclosure in one or moreexplosion proof housings to meet area classifications.

BACKGROUND

Liquid sample extraction and vaporization analysis in chemical andpetrochemical processing is well-known and well-established. Vaporizedsamples extracted from a source are used for processing control,pollution monitoring, purity analysis, energy content auditing, etc. Insuch cases, it is important that the constituents of the vaporizedsample correspond to the composition of the extracted sample. In thecase of a natural gas pipeline for energy audit purposes, it isdesirable to conduct sample analysis extraction at custody transferpoints along the gas distribution pathway, e.g., at the wellhead, atcompression into liquid, at injection into a main pipeline, atregasification, etc.

It is well documented that the natural gas industry has experiencedrapid growth and generated a significant need for field deployableanalyzing capabilities. For example, in the United States alone, shaleoil & gas extraction activities in the Marcellus Formation, Eagle Ford,and Bakken deposits have generated numerous new drilling fields,pipeline injection and gathering points and custody transfer points thatare remotely-sited from conventional infrastructure, e.g. sources ofelectric power and telemetric communication. Consequently, sampletake-off and analyzing operations at such points are curtailed if notaltogether prevented unless a temporary source of electrical power andcommunication is provided.

To this end, the natural gas industry has turned in some instances toconventional gas or diesel powered electric generators for poweringsample takeoff and analyzing equipment. However, reliance on suchgenerators, itself, creates logistical and maintenance issues. First,there is the need for regular resupply of the generator fuel in additionto the requirement for engine maintenance both of which requirevehicular road access to the site of the analyzing equipment. One knownsolution to overcome to reliance on such power generation methods wherethe pipeline product involved is natural gas involves tapping directlyinto the pipeline and extracting natural gas for a natural gas (NG)powered generator. One significant drawback from such an arrangement isthe need for construction of an independent pipeline takeoff connectionto the generator. In an NG environment, specially trained techniciansare required for such installations. Subsequently, if a conventionalpower source such as an overland power line becomes available, thetakeoff connection must either be deactivated or removed.

Consequently, when a new extraction field is developed remote from powerand telephone lines, either at least one new line must be strung withits concomitant adverse environmental impact or multiple generator unitsneed to be transported, positioned, maintained and fueled to power adiscrete array of analyzer units various flow control and conditioningequipment, analyzers, communication and computer control unitsassociated with the extraction. At a cost, presently at about $75,000 (

50,000) for each installation, reliance on such electrical generatorunits can result in substantial unrecoverable costs.

A further consideration results from the extraction of a “Wet” gas fromwells. Although natural gases obtained from wells are predominantlymethane, certain shale—derived gases comprise a significant amount of C2to C5 hydrocarbons and up to C8 hydrocarbon constituents—“heavies”.“Dry” gas, containing minimal “heavies” is not significantly affected bydifferential temperature and pressure within the pipeline and/or at theregulator inlet and outlet. However, “Wet” gas characteristicallyincludes a significant proportion of “heavies” which leads to dew pointdropout/phase transition in cases of fluctuating temperature andpressure. For example, liquid pressure diminishes upon removal from thepipeline stream at take-off and during transit to an analyzer unit. Suchfluctuations induce partitioning of the heavies whether in a liquid orvapor phase. It is therefore important to maintain consistent sampletemperature and pressures regardless of the sample phase during theentire duration of transit from take-off to vaporizer and from vaporizerto analyzer.

Liquid intrusion into an analyzing system is unacceptable to the extentthat the present ISO 8943 standard requires restriction of liquid flowto the conditioning vaporizer in order to prevent flooding of thesystem. The conventional approach to satisfy this requirement is toincorporate a flow restrictor. However, if the sample is a “Wet” NG, anin-line flow restrictor will induce in-line pressure changes causingpartitioning/flashing of the heavies into discernable fractions. Thatis, the lights partition from the heavy components where the lighterconstituents pass first into the vaporizer before the heavies. Thepresence of the differently-constituted fractions skews the accuracy ofthe content analysis which implicates the accuracy of the energy contentmeasurements. Where such partitioning is combined because ofinconsistent temperature and pressure, a phase transition curve may beviolated inducing Joules-Thompson condensation of the partitioned vaporinto a liquid phase. In the case of a system using a gas chromatograph(GC) for analysis, injection of a liquid into a GC will damage theanalyzer.

Therefore, a need exists for an integrated sample take-off, analyticalsystem that is self-powering, easily transportable, capable of two-waytelemetry, and provides low-power sample take-off conditioning to anassociated low-power analyzer that minimizes risk of vapor sample phasepartition and condensation or transition. The system preferably alsomeets regulatory and safety requirements while being field deployable,particularly in the case of newly-established “wet” natural gasextraction resources and transfer points remotely located fromconventional infrastructure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome shortcomings ofexisting art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution tooperation of instrumentation required for fluid sample takeoff,conditioning, and accurate content analysis remote from existing powerand communications infrastructure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an energyself-sufficient, wet or dry gas sample conditioning system that providesaccurate content analysis.

These and other objects are satisfied by a system for extracting andanalyzing a sample from a pipeline, the system comprising: a pipelinesample take-off probe; a take-off conduit connecting said takeoff probeto a sample conditioner to generate a vaporized sample, said sampleconditioner including an electrically powered heater element, a pressureregulator, flow controller, and a conditioned vaporized sample output; avacuum jacketed insulated tubing defined by an outer tubular casing withan inner surface and an inner tubular vaporized sample conduit member aninner and outer surface, said inner tubular vaporized sample conduitmember with a first and a second end where the first end is attached tosaid conditioned vaporized sample output of said sample conditioner,said inner tubular vaporized sample conduit member being substantiallycoextensive with and coaxially disposed within said outer tubular casingand spaced therefrom so as maintain space between it and said innersurface of said outer tubular casing to form a thermal insulatingannulus between said outer casing inner surface and said inner tubularvaporized sample conduit member outer surface, and said inner tubularvaporized sample conduit member defining a wall having a thicknesssufficient to possess a pressure rating in excess of 500 psig, anpreferably exceeding 4000 psig (35-270 bar) and to allow fornon-destructive bending, and said inner tubular vaporized sample conduitmember having an inner diameter dimensioned to maintain sufficientpressure and flow rate to avoid flashing during transit threrethrough,and an electrically powered analyzer unit including a low power vaporanalyzer for qualitative and quantitative detection of at least oneanalyte in said conditioned vaporized sample, said analyzer unit havingan inlet in vapor communication with said second end of the tubularvaporized sample conduit member for receiving said conditioned vaporizedsample, an input for a carrier gas, said electrically powered analyzerdetecting the at least one analyte of the vaporized sample andgenerating at least one signal corresponding to the obtained result; anelectrically powered wireless communications module unit fortransmitting the results to a remote receiver; a low power electricalcontrol unit including a power control center electrically connected toeach of the conditioner, analyzer unit and wireless communicationmodule; and a photovoltaic panel with an electrical power storage arrayconnected to the low power control unit for distribution toelectrically-operated control unit.

The foregoing and still other objects are satisfied by a solar-poweredsystem for analyzing fluid samples, the system comprising: a firstenclosure including a heated fluid sample take-off input, a heatedpressure regulator, a flow conditioner, and a conditioned vaporizedsample output, wherein the first enclosure is in operable communicationwith a sample source and generates a conditioned vaporized gas samplefrom the fluid; a second enclosure operably connected to the firstenclosure, said second enclosure including a conditioned sample inputand an analyzing device providing a signal output representative of thevaporized gas sample composition; means for communicating saidconditioned vaporized gas sample between said first and second enclosurein a manner to maintain thermal and flow rate stasis of the vaporizedsample during transit, and a third enclosure including a power controlcenter, a photovoltaic panel, and a communication containing module forproviding operating power to the first and second enclosures andreceiving said signal from the analyzing device.

In short, the invention contemplates an array of components for sampleanalysis that in one embodiment provides an integrated, sample take-offanalysis station that employs a remotely-spaced, field gas chromatographwhere a conditioned gas take-off sample is transferred thereto viavacuum jacketed tubing (VJT) that maintains the sample temperature andpressure during transit and a digital signal transceiver for wirelesslycommunicating obtained analytical data from the chromatograph to aremote base collection station where all energy consuming components areelectrically powered by a self-sustaining, stand-alone energy sourcesuch as a solar-powered array with battery storage.

The invention contemplates a combination of elements for a gas samplingand analysis system that utilizes a minimum of power to obtain a sample,particularly of a heavies-containing wet gas, extracted from a sourcesuch as a pipeline or well-head, condition the extracted sample, totransmit the conditioned sample while maintaining the sample at atemperature and pressure preventing partitioning and/or phasetransition/Joule-Thompson type condensation/dew-point dropout, toanalyze the extracted sample, and to communicate the obtained results toa remote information receiving and control station where the system ispowered by solar energy.

The invention operates at low power, e.g., 12 or 24 volts, and isreadily transportable, deployable and operable in locations remote fromexisting infrastructure while meeting applicable safety and regulatoryrequirements including, if necessary, explosion-proof containment. Notonly does the incorporation of reduced size low power components such as12 or 24 Volt DC heaters and pressure regulators in the invention reducethe operational energy requirements and size of any containment housingsbut it also provides the collateral benefit of reducing the requirementsfor termination and end seal electrical kits to meet Class 1-Division 1,explosion proof thresholds.

Critical to the invention is its capability to assure accuratemeasurements by maintaining the vaporized sample at a temperature andpressure from take-off to analysis in a manner avoiding phase transferor flashing/partitioning of vaporized constituents. The low power,integrated, analyzer system of the invention is readily adapted forplacement in newly-established natural gas gathering systems, remotepipeline transmission points, and/or largely inaccessible locations toprovide periodically scheduled, on-demand, and even optionally,composite pipeline sample analysis such as that described incommonly-owned application U.S. Ser. No. 14/205,526 filed Mar. 12, 2014and incorporated herein by reference.

The system of the present invention essentially comprises three discretecomponents. The first is a heated sample take-off unit. A preferredsample takeoff array is of the type sold by Mustang Sampling LLC, underthe name PONY® and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,162,933 incorporatedherein by reference. The present invention modifies the heated sampletake-off unit to include a sample takeoff probe, a low-power heater, alow power pressure regulator with a conditioned gas output andelectrically operable control-valve flow control.

The second component of the invention which for nomenclature purposeshere, is referred to as the analyzer array, includes a conditioned gasinput from the heated sample conditioning unit, an electrically operatedsolenoid vacuum valve port with a vacuum status indicator, a low powerflow conditioning control panel, a lower power field-type process gasanalyzer, for example, a gas chromatograph such as a Model PGC1000 fromABB Ltd. of Switzerland, a solenoid valve operated carrier gas inputport, e.g., helium, a power cable input, power output connection, and asmall diameter vacuum jacketed tubing connection extending between thefirst and second components for non-phase transfer of the heated andconditioned sample gas there between without need for an auxiliary heatsource such as heat trace cable and the like to maintain temperatureduring transfer.

The third component is referred to as the power center component. Itincludes a solar power collecting photovoltaic cell array anddeep-cycling battery-type energy storage cells connected to a systempower control center and communication/telemetry facility to provide therequirements to each of the electrically operable components viaindependent heat trace cabling or via wiring sealed within and extendingthrough an approved form of conduit and sealing system that meetapplicable requirements for hazardous area classification by theNational Electric Code (NEC). Notably, in a preferred mode, the relianceon the VJT dispenses with the need for heat trace cabling to maintaintemperatures in the vacuum jacketed tubing. Although heat tracing isemployable in the context of the current invention, its powerrequirement corresponding to approximately 5 W per linear foot (30 cm)is eliminated when the heat trace is substituted for by VJT.

The present invention, in a preferred mode, uses vacuum jacketed smalldiameter tubing to dispense with the need for operationally disposedheat tracing over the length of the connection between the sampletake-off and conditioner to the analyzer. The vacuum jacketed tubing inthis case relies on a small diameter stainless steel tube of up to 30feet (10 meters) in length. The tube, preferably composed of 316stainless steel possessing a relatively heavy wall (0.065 in.) forstrength, has an outer diameter ranging from 1/16 inch (0.16 cm) to asmuch as ⅜ inch (0.9 cm) for communicating a vaporized sample and aninner diameter adapted to ensure transit time for a fresh sample to beintroduced to the analyzer for each analyzing cycle. The use of thesmall diameter VJT decreases lag time between conditioning and analysis,maintains the vapor at a consistent temperature during transit withminimal heat loss, and prevents the vapor from condensing by maintainingthe pressure at a threshold well above the phase transition curve. Thistemperature maintenance objective is achieved whether the vapor is a hotgas or at cryogenic temperatures.

The use of a small bore take-off probe connected with by small bore,heavy walled-tubing for communicating the sample to the vaporizer avoidscomposition/energy content analysis error by minimizing the creation ofintra-tube turbulence of the kind typically resulting from the use of arestrictor as well as avoiding generation of venturi effects on theliquid passing through a restrictor. Furthermore, measurementreliability and accuracy is improved due to the reduced resident lagtime of the vaporized sample in the tube minimizing the concomitantpartitioning/separation of heavier and lighter components of the sampleduring transit.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first three components areseparated and spaced apart, the heated sample take-off unit and theanalyzer array units also being contained in explosion-proof housingenclosures. The invention also contemplates convertibility. For example,in one embodiment, the power center establishes a discretely housedmodule from the take-off unit and analyzer housing enclosure(s). Whenconventional infrastructure, e.g., new power lines or the like arebrought into the vicinity of the system, the power center may bedisconnected in favor of the power line source and moved to a new siteto be “plugged” into another remote the take-off/sample analyzer atanother transfer point. To take advantage of the full convertibility,the components may also be mounted on a skid or trailer(s) for rapidmovement by helicopter or truck to a select transfer takeoff point orthe like. In this fashion, the invention is readily usable in connectionwith recently established fields where the typical infrastructure hasnot yet been established.

In this detailed description, references to “one embodiment”, “anembodiment”, or “in embodiments” mean that the feature being referred tois included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Moreover,separate references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or“embodiments” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment; however,neither are such embodiments mutually exclusive, unless so stated, andexcept as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus,the invention can include any variety of combinations and/orintegrations of the embodiments described herein.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms, “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the root terms “include”and/or “have”, when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but donot preclude the presence or addition of at least one other feature,step, operation, element, component, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, “analyte” contemplates a constituent from a source suchas natural gas, a liquid natural gas, natural gas liquid, or a cryogenicliquid capable of vaporization and sample content characterization byconventional analysis equipment such as a gas chromatograph, massspectrograph, Raman spectrophotometer, tunable diode laser spectrograph,etc.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is notnecessarily limited only to those features but may include otherfeatures not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus.

For definitional purposes and as used herein “connected” includesphysical, whether direct or indirect, affixed or adjustably mounted, asfor example, the communication unit is connected to the a sampleanalyzer component either directly or through a conventional wirelesslinkage when spaced apart. Thus, unless specified, “connected” isintended to embrace any operationally functional connection.

As used herein, “process gathering point” and “transfer pointprocessing” means the location for and processes involving the transferand movement of a fluid analyte from one place to another in theconventional sense, such as via a pipeline network from removal totransmission/transport/storage e.g., a well in a drilling field throughintermediate connection points and processing lines to gathering pointsor storage and insertion into main gas transmission lines as well to orfrom any transport vehicles such as ships, barges, and railcars.

As used herein, and unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refersto an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a conditionA or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present)and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B istrue (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

As used herein “substantially,” “generally,” and other words of degreeare relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible variation fromthe characteristic so modified. It is not intended to be limited to theabsolute value or characteristic which it modifies but rather possessingmore of the physical or functional characteristic than its opposite, andpreferably, approaching or approximating such a physical or functionalcharacteristic.

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings which are provided for illustration purposes as representativeof a specific exemplary embodiment in which the invention may bepracticed. The following illustrated embodiment is described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice theinvention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilizedand that structural changes based on presently known structural and/orfunctional equivalents may be made without departing from the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a schematic of an embodiment of a low power solar poweredsample conditioning and analyzing system according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic for a battery storage and control system for asolar powered sample conditioning and analyzing system according to theinvention.

FIG. 3 is a wiring schematic of the control system circuitry of theembodiment in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a storage battery enclosure withan array of interconnected storage cells according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of bendable vacuum jacketed tubingassembly according to the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the interior of the analyzer cabinet accordingto FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates analyzer system 10 according to anembodiment of the present invention. The analyzer system 10 essentiallycomprises three discrete components which in the illustrated embodimentare contained in separate, spaced-apart cabinet enclosures. Thecomponents are probe take-off unit 12 which is attached to transmissionpipeline P, analyzer unit 14, and solar power generation and storagemodule 16 to which photovoltaic panel 18 is adjustably and electricallymounted.

The probe take-off unit 12 incorporates a take-off probe 13 connected toan electrically powered, heated pressure regulator 20 and flowconditioner for conditioning samples withdrawn from the pipeline P whichcontain at least one constituent qualifying as an analyte. The sampletake-off unit 12, itself, is heated to avoid sample dew-point drop-out.Such a unit is available from Mustang Sampling LLC, under the name PONY®and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,162,933 incorporated herein byreference. In brief, the Pony cabinet includes a heater, a gas pipelinetakeoff probe, a heated regulator, flow conditioner, and conditioned gasoutput. The power for the components is provided by a heat tracingelectrical conduit 22 from the below-described analyzer cabinet 14.

The second enclosure cabinet 14 which for nomenclature purposes here, iscalled the analyzer cabinet, includes selectively latchable, hingedlyconnected, sealable front door 15, exterior latches 17, a conditionedgas input 22, a vacuum valve port 26 with a vacuum status indicator 28,a flow conditioning control panel 30, an electrically powered,field-type process gas chromatograph 32 such as a Model PGC1000 from ABBLtd. of Switzerland, a carrier gas, e.g., helium input port 34, a powerinput 19, power output junction 36, and vacuum jacketed tubing 24 forthermally static transference of heated and conditioned gas samplebetween the first enclosure 12 and the second enclosure 14. As is thecase of an analyzer, it requires a particular dwell time (time ofresidence in the analyzer) of the sample to obtain proper measurements.The sample dwell time results in a periodic sample cycle that requires afresh sample input for each cycle. It also should be noted that any orall of the enclosures may be constructed to be explosion proof to meetNational Electrical Code Class 1, Division 1, Groups C and D with a T3maximum temperature rating for North America or ATEX and IEC Zone 1standards.

The vacuum jacketed tubing 24 (VJT) connecting the sample conditioningcabinet and the analyzer cabinet preferably is constructed using arelatively long length of, e.g., twelve feet (3.5 m), of ¼ inch outerdiameter 316 stainless steel vapor sample conduit tubing member 51. (Thetube member length may extend up to 10 meters). The length of the tubingmember is restricted to a maximum distance corresponding to the distancewhere the vacuum tubing effectively maintains thermal stasis andpreserves the heated gas sample at a pressure preventing partitioningand/or dew point dropout during transit between the takeoff unit 12 andcabinet 14, without the need for an auxiliary heat source, e.g., heattrace cable. The use of vacuum jacketed tubing to maintain sampletemperatures above the condensation point is an important aspect of theinvention because it eliminates the need to heat the transport tubingand for electrical power to operate an independent heat source. The useof vacuum jacketed tubing 24 also dispenses with the need for includingan auxiliary heater in the analyzer cabinet as a result of preserving ofthe heat content of the gas sample passed to the analyzer.

The vaporized sample conduit member 51 preferably has a ⅛ to ¼ outerdiameter with a wall thickness of from 0.025 to 0.065 inch whichprovides a burst pressure rating of in excess of 4000 psig (˜270 bar)and up to 12,000 psig (˜800 bar). The conduit member is bendable withoutcreasing/pinching at least during its installation and the innerdiameter of the member 51 is selected to maintain sufficient pressure ata flow rate that avoids flashing from phase transition and partitioningduring transit from said first end to a second end. In application, thetube dimensional parameters are selected to provide a end-to-end transittime of the sample corresponding to the measuring cycle of and provide afresh sample to the attached analyzer, where the analysis is notcontinuous as in the case of a tunable laser diode unit. Accordingly,the tube measurement can range in imperial units from 1/16 to ⅜ inchouter diameter with wall thickness of 0.020 to 0.065 inch (3 mm-8 mm)outer diameter with a 0.5 to 1.5 mm wall thickness, in metric units) toprovide pressure ratings up to about 10,200 psig (˜700 bar).

Except for the terminal ends of the tubing member 51, it issubstantially covered by a coaxially disposed 1½-2 inch (2-5 cm) outerdiameter stainless steel vacuum jacket 52, each end of which ishermetically secured by a stainless steel compression fitting 53 and astainless steel FNPT fitting 54. An annular gap is formed between theinner surface of the outer jacket and the outer surface of the vaporsample conduit tubing member to provide an insulating thermal barrierpreventing heat transfer between the two surfaces. The annular gap mayincorporate periodic internal spacing standoffs or a continuousinsulating foam/layer encasing the outer surface of the tubing member 51if required for regulatory purposes.

A vacuum pump-out nipple 55 is provided near one end of the jacket 52 topermit evacuation of the jacket. The vacuum jacket must possesssufficient hoop strength to withstand collapse/imploding upon creationof an internal vacuum and permit bending without creasing or pinching. Asubstantial length of this assembly is encased with an outer casing 56formed from a bendable/flexible material such as a rugged, reinforcedelastomeric pipe or non-rusting, spiral metal jacketing that allows aninstaller in the field to bend the tubing 24 without damaging the tubeat least during the installation thereof.

The vacuum for the vacuum jacketed tubing is created by attachment of avacuum pump (not illustrated) to the nipple 55 which is associated witha vacuum port 26 (see FIG. 7) to establish a quantitatively sufficientthermally insulating vacuum. The vacuum port 26 includes a vacuumindicator 28 to visually indicate the presence of an adequate vacuum. Inone form, the indicator may be a simple mechanical spring biaseddetentable red button which will move to and/or protrude from the frontof the housing in the event of a vacuum failure. In this manner a fieldworker is able to visually assess the need to re-evacuate the tubingupon minimal inspection of the system. (A low power LED indicator anddetecting circuitry may be substituted for the simpler mechanicalindicator but with the appreciation that such a unit requires slightlymore complex wiring and slightly greater system energy consumption).

Proximate to the above-mentioned carrier gas input port 34 associatedwith the analyzer component 14, preferably positioned on a side thereofto avoid interference with access to the interior and pivoting of door15, is an all-weather carrier gas tank retaining bracket 38 forreleasably mounting a conventional carrier gas (e.g., helium) containingtank and valve regulator to the exterior of analyzer 14. The illustratedtank mounted valve regulator 39 is a typical manually operated type andfeeds the helium carrier gas to the enclosed gas chromatograph 32 ascontrolled by the flow controller 30. When desired, the wirelesscommunication facility 42 may also be incorporated with the analyzercomponent 14 to provide control and reporting communication with aremote base so long as the facility 42 is heat resistant to theoperating temperature of the cabinet particularly when heated (See FIG.1).

Turning now to the third component, it is a power generation and storagemodule including an inter-connected array of deep-cycling battery-typeenergy storage cells, a power control center, an exteriorly mounted andelectrically connected solar power collecting photovoltaic cell array inthe form of a panel which preferably is disposed to provide shading tothe battery/control enclosure and, unless incorporated into the analyzercabinet 14 (see FIG. 1), a wireless, radio modem 42 for transmittinganalytical data output from the analyzer 32 (see FIG. 3).

The third component comprises solar-panel-mounting, powergeneration/storage, power control, and communication containing module16. The enclosure/module 16, schematically represented in FIGS. 2-4,features a weatherproof enclosure 48 capable of housing power controlcircuitry 40 of the type illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 communicationsfacilities such as a wireless modem 42 for transmitting to and receivingdigital data from a distant central control center, an inter-connectedarray of deep-cycling, low self-discharge storage batteries, e.g., 12v-250 Ah Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) sealed batteries storage cellsB (in this case eight) connected in series and powered by an exteriorlymounted photovoltaic panel 18. The module 16 is connected by powertransmitting conduit 19 to the analyzer and preferably takes the form ofheat tracing.

The enclosure 48 is a sturdy vented cabinet formed, preferably of apowder-coated, welded steel frame, panels, and hinge mounted front panelthat allows for easy interior access. The enclosure provides internalspace for placement of a shelved array of energy storage batteries toprovide sufficient gaps for adequate airflow and ample wall space forsecure mounting of control and communications equipment. The enclosurealso provides a pivotal mounting for the solar panel 18 that permitsangular adjustability and prevents the panel base from contacting theground and fittings for cables and wiring feedthroughs. Preferably, thepanel 18 is positioned to maximize solar energy collection whileproviding shade to the enclosure to avoid unnecessary heat build-up. Theillustrated cabinet is a. Preferably that unit also includes therequired batteries and MorningStar brand charge and load controllers.

An exemplary arrangement of the power control unit uses a DPW Power FabBattery Box model BB10-8D+4 enclosing circuitry 40 is illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3. In that schematic, a solar panel 18 is a 1080 watt arrayconnected to a charge controller 44 such as a Morningstar modelTS-MPPT-60 available from Morningstar Corporation of Newton, Pa., US toinput to the battery array B arranged both in series and parallel asillustrated in FIG. 2. The Morningstar controller, rated forphotovoltaic current and load at 60 A, provides for four Stage chargecontrol, includes data logging functionality, adjustable set points andtemperature compensation.

A load controller 46 outputs the stored electrical power at 24V atselect amperages adequate to operate the target instruments andequipment located in the enclosure 16 as well as the flow controller andanalyzer of the analyzer cabinet 12 (and the communicating equipment ifnot located in the power enclosure 16), and the heated regulator of theprobe takeoff unit 12. The illustrated embodiment incorporates aMorningstar Pro Star-30 controller includes automatic recoveryfunctionality and internal electronic protections against shortcircuits, overload, reverse polarity, current reversal when dark, highvoltage and temperature disconnect, and lightning and transient surgeprotection.

In view of the foregoing description, alternative embodiments should beapparent. For example, a multi-stage temperature and pressure regulatormay be located directly atop the takeoff probe with an associated lowpower heat block to maintain consistent inlet/outlet temperatures andpressures and thereby avoid flashing resulting from an imbalancethereof. In another embodiment, conditions permitting and whereseparation of the power supply component is not expected to be moved orseparated from the take-off and analyzer components when a conventionalpower supply is available, the second, analyzer and third power supplycomponents may be secured within a common cabinet. A further alternativeconstruction to the above-mentioned electrical conduit connection 22 andVJT 24 between the first and second enclosures, involves integrating thewiring/tracing cable with the vacuum jacketed tubing and haveappropriate connectors hermetically sealed and projecting from the endsof the outer tube of the vacuum jacketing.

Although the described embodiment of the invention and the variationsthereof has been disclosed in the forgoing specification, it isunderstood by those skilled in the art that many modifications andembodiments of the invention will come to mind to which the inventionpertains, particularly having the benefit of the teaching presented inthe foregoing description and associated drawing. It is thereforeunderstood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodimentsdisclosed herein, and that many modifications and other embodiments ofthe invention are intended to be included within the scope of theinvention. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, theyare used only in generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposesof limiting the description of the invention.

We claim:
 1. A system for extracting and analyzing fluid sample from apipeline, the system comprising: a pipeline sample take-off probe; atake-off conduit connecting said takeoff probe to a sample conditionerto generate a vaporized fluid sample, said sample conditioner includingan electrically powered heater element, a pressure regulator, flowcontroller, and a conditioned vapor sample output; a vacuum jacketedinsulated tubing defined by an outer tubular casing with an innersurface and an inner tubular vaporized fluid sample conduit member aninner and outer surface, said inner tubular vaporized sample fluidconduit member with a first and a second end where the first end isattached to said conditioned vapored-fluid sample output of said sampleconditioner, said inner tubular vaporized fluid sample conduit memberbeing substantially coextensive with and coaxially disposed within saidouter tubular casing and spaced therefrom so as maintain space betweenit and said inner surface of said outer tubular casing to form a thermalinsulating annulus between said outer casing inner surface and saidinner tubular vaporized fluid sample conduit member outer surface, andsaid inner tubular vaporized fluid sample conduit member defining a wallhaving a thickness sufficient to possess a pressure rating in excess of500 psig (35 bar) and said inner tubular vaporized fluid sample conduitmember having an inner diameter dimensioned to maintain sufficientpressure and flow rate to avoid flashing of said vaporized fluid sampleduring transit threrethrough, and an electrically powered analyzer unitincluding a low power vapor analyzer for qualitative and quantitativedetection of at least one analyte in said conditioned vaporized fluidsample, said analyzer unit having an inlet in vapor communication withsaid second end of the tubular vaporized fluid sample conduit member forreceiving said conditioned vapor sample, an input for a carrier gas,said electrically powered analyzer detecting the at least one analyte ofthe vaporized fluid sample and generating at least one signalcorresponding to the obtained result; a low power electrical controlunit including a power control center electrically connected to theconditioner and analyzer unit; and a photovoltaic panel with anelectrical power storage array connected to the low power control unitfor distribution to electrically-operated control unit.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the electrically powered analyzer is a field-typeprocess gas chromatograph.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein thephotovoltaic panel is configured to operate at no greater than 24 volts.4. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrically powered analyzer andthe low power electrical control unit are contained in a common housingwhich is remotely spaced at least 3 meters (10 feet) but no more than 15meters (50 feet) from the sample conditioner.
 5. The system of claim 4where the housing is explosion-proof and further comprising anelectrically powered wireless communications module unit fortransmitting the obtained result to a remote receiver where saidelectrically powered wireless communications module is connected to saidlow power electrical control unit and powered thereby.
 6. The system ofclaim 1 where the vacuum jacketed tubing incorporates heat tracingelectrical conduit for providing power to the sample conditioner, theanalyzer, and low power electrical control unit which are contained indiscrete separate weatherproof housings.
 7. The system of claim 1 whereat least one of the housings is an explosion proof cabinet.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1 where the inner tubular vaporized sample fluid conduitis stainless steel with a ¼ inch outer diameter and a wall thickness of0.065 inches thickness with stainless steel fittings on both first andsecond ends to provide for reduction/enlargement to avoid flashing ofthe sample.
 9. The system of claim 1 where the inner tubular vaporizedsample fluid conduit is stainless steel with a 1/16-¼ inch outerdiameter and a wall thickness of 0.02-0.065 inch with stainless steelfittings on both first and second ends to provide forreduction/enlargement to avoid flashing of the fluid sample, and anouter jacket that allows for non-destructive bending thereof.
 10. Asolar-powered system for analyzing at least one analyte in a fluidsample, the system comprising: a first enclosure including a heatedfluid sample take-off input, a heated pressure regulator, a flowconditioner, and a conditioned sample output, wherein the firstenclosure is in operable communication with a sample source andgenerates a conditioned vaporized sample from the fluid; a secondenclosure operably connected to the first enclosure, said secondenclosure including a conditioned sample input and an analyzing deviceproviding a signal output representative of the vaporized samplecomposition; means for communicating said conditioned vaporized samplebetween said first and second enclosure in a manner to maintain thermaland flow rate stasis of the vaporized sample during transit, and a thirdenclosure including a power control center and a photovoltaic panel,said third enclosure for providing operating power to the first andsecond enclosures and receiving said signal from the analyzing device.11. The system of claim 10 wherein the fluid sample is selected from thegroup consisting of natural gas, liquefied natural gas, compressednatural gas, cryogenic fluid, and biogas.
 12. The system of claim 11further comprising an electronic communications module includes awireless modem for transmitting data from the analyzer and receivinginstructions from a remote source.
 13. The system of claim 10, where thevacuum jacketed insulated tubing incorporates a sample conduit ofstainless steel tubing with a 1/16-¼ inch (3-8 mm) outer diameter and awall thickness of 0.02-0.065 inch (0.05-0.15 mm) and, stainless steelfittings on first and second ends of said sample conduit to provide forreduction/enlargement that avoids flashing of the sample, and an outerjacket that allows for non-destructive bending thereof.
 14. The systemof claim 10, wherein the system is configured to maintain a sampletemperature during transit between the first enclosure and that of thesecond enclosure above a dew point dropout temperature.
 15. A method forremotely analyzing samples using the system of claim 1, wherein duringtransit between the sample conditioner enclosure and the analyzer, ofthe sample is maintained above a dew point dropout temperature.
 16. Amethod for remotely analyzing samples using the system of claim 10,wherein during transit between the first enclosure and the secondenclosure, the sample is maintained above a dew point dropouttemperature.